The final preparations are underway for the Christmas in Geelong Opening Night community celebration, which will take place at Steampacket Quay on Saturday 11 November 2023.
In anticipation of this free major event, there will be road closures in the area. Western Beach and Eastern Beach roads will be closed to vehicles between Cunningham and Yarra streets starting at 5:15 pm on Saturday.
For those in need of accessible parking, there will be designated parking available at the entrance to Cunningham Pier, accessible via Western Beach Road and Cunningham Street.
The festivities will kick off with roving entertainment at 5:30pm at Steampacket Quay, followed by a two-hour stage show starting at 7:00 pm. The headline acts for theevening include Stellar Perry (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Kim Cooper, Denis Walter, Zoe Walter, Thomas Currie (Piano Bar Geelong) and a Geelong multiple School Big Band.
An accessible viewing area will be set up on the southwest corner of Steampacket Quay, directly across from The Carousel.
At 9:00pm, a lucky child will join Santa in illuminating Geelong's iconic Floating Christmas Tree, followed by a spectacular low-level fireworks display. The tree's captivating Light and Sound Show will play continuously until 10.30pm and then with intervals until midnight.
At Steampacket Gardens, enjoy roving characters, facepainting, photo booths as well as activations from groups including Barwon Water and the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal. You can also grab a bite on site or alternatively you can visit your favourite local restaurant along Eastern Beach Road.
Between 5:00pm and 7:00pm, Bay FM will also be broadcasting live from the site.
For those unable to attend on the night, you will also be able to watch a livestream of the event.
Moorabool Street, Western Beach Road, and Eastern Beach Road will re-open at 10:00pm.
Community members will have access to the Novotel, Edgewater, and Waterfront apartments via Yarra Street to Steampacket Place.
Throughout the event, emergency access will be maintained at all times to ensure safety.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I look forward to welcoming everyone at the Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration as we launch our 2023 Christmas program.We ask that community members adjust to the changed traffic conditions and respect staff operating the road closures.
Due to the fireworks planned at Steampacket Quay, we recommend community members bring their pets indoors or keep them in a secure location on the night, to keep them safe.
